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Shelter seeks help with heartworm-infected dogs

Las Cruces Sun-News
Published 5:56 p.m. MT Nov. 23, 2015

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These dogs have tested positive for heartworm. The Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley is seeking new owners who will commit to helping these dogs recover from the potentially fatal disease.(Photo: Courtesy photo)

The Animal Services Center of Mesilla Valley has confirmed eight dogs that have tested positive with heartworms, and is looking for help from the community to have the dogs treated and adopted.

The ASCMV will waive the fees associated with the adoption/micro chipping of these dogs, according to a news release. In return, the ASCMV must get a commitment from the new owners that they plan to treat the animal’s serious condition. All of the dogs will be altered before they are adopted. One rescue group has accepted the black Chihuahua into its organization. The shelter must find homes for the pets by Dec. 1.

Heartworm is a potentially fatal disease caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart of dogs and cats. It is transmitted by infected mosquitos and it can be prevented by simply taking preventive medicine once a month.

Those interested in helping these loving animals can call the ASCMV or stop in at 3551 Bataan memorial West in Las Cruces. For more information call 575-382-0018.

The shelter is also asking for carpet remnants for their cat cages that can be used as bedding and gives them a surface to scratch their nails. If you have used but cleaned and odor free carpet you would like to donate, just drop off at 3551 Bataan Memorial West.